Romney's criticism of Trump attract cries of hypocrisy, GOP split

Mitt Romneymay have publicly condemned Donald TrumpThursday,but for many theformerU.S. presidential nominee'sspeech came across as too little too late, if not hypocritical.

"If we Republicans choose Donald Trump as our nominee, the prospects for a safe and prosperous future are greatly diminished," Romneysaid.

He addressed Trump's economic policies, and criticized the presidential hopeful's callfor the deportation of Mexican and Muslims immigrants.He asked Republican votersto not support Trump, claimingit would be destructive for the United States and the party itself.

"Here's what I know. Donald Trump is a phony, a fraud. His promises are as worthless as a degree from Trump University," Romney said.

Some saw his speech ashypocritical, since Romney had asked for Trump's endorsement during the 2012 presidential race.

Trump in turnaccused Romney of political opportunism at a rally in Portland, Maine. He called Romney a "choke artist," that once "begged" for his endorsement.

"I could have said Mitt drop to your knees and he would have dropped to his knees."

Trump suggested Romney's speech was an act of revenge against Trump's success.He saidthat Romney "doesn't have what it takes" to be U.S. president.

Romney later tweetedhe wouldn't have accepted the endorsement had he known of Trump's opinions

Romney's speech helped himattract a few fans

But some suggested the speech would likely be ineffectual

Others figure Romney's attack could galvanize support for Trump, who is seen as an outsider to theRepublican party

Trump's director of social media, Dan Scavino, considered it a de facto endorsement

Some journalists noted a splintering within the Republican party

And some enjoy that prospect